Ravenna insurance agency to merge with SeibertKeck

Record Courier (12-16-06)

Jack Kohl Insurance Agency, Inc., in Ravenna will merge with one of Ohio's largest insurance agencies, SeibertKeck Insurance in Fairlawn.

Kohl's independent agency will remain at its city headquarters with no name change or personnel cuts. The merger, which takes effect Jan. 1, does not affect Jack Kohl Real Estate.

"The merger will bring us a whole lot of things we couldn't do in the past," said Jack Kohl, Jr., president of the insurance agency. "I don't think if the general public walked into our office they would notice a difference."

Kohl's clients soon will be provided a number of new property and causality policies, as well as liability policies, specializing in medical malpractice practice claims.

SeibertKeck also has intentions to bring some sales staff members to Kohl's agency.

"Portage County is an area we are not involved with," said Craig Hassinger, president of SeibertKeck. "With (Kohl's) relationship with the community, this is a great opportunity for us to provide more services."

SeibertKeck, which works with Central Insurance, State Insurance, Cincinnati Insurance, State Auto Insurance and Auto Owners Insurance, was attracted to the merger because of the opportunity be involved with communities outside of its existing territory.

The company, in operation since 1910, provides commercial and institutional property and casualty insurance, security bonding and life and benefits insurance. It also offers risk management solutions, financial planning and strategic consultations.

"We have adopted some of (Kohl's) customer service practices," said Rich Hite, CEO of SeibertKeck. "We want to emulate some of those traits. Affiliating with his agency gives us the opportunity for synergy, we hope to bring the horse power to his relationships in Portage County."

SeibertKeck has been in negotiations of a merger with Jack Kohl Insurance for a little over the year.

"I have known (Hassinger) for 20 years," Kohl said. "We maintained a good relationship and stayed in contact. Last year we began evaluating what we need to do to grow. Now we can shop through more markets and be more competitive. We needed to grow to the next level to keep this going."

Jack Kohl Insurance Agency, located at 141 E. Main St., has been a locally owned and operated agency since 1954.

Jack Kohl, Sr. started the business while working as a salesman for Duracote Inc. Kohl's office originally was located at 123 Main St., sharing space with Paul Wilson, who was a newly licensed attorney.

The agency also has been located at 231 S. Chestnut St., 145 E. Main St. and 240 S. Chestnut St.

Jack Kohl, Jr. joined the business in 1982 and bought the agency from his father in 1987.

The insurance agency currently has eight employees.